Don Stabler (1908-1997)
Donald B. Stabler entered the highway construction business in 1940 as a sole proprietorship. In 1955, he merged that proprietorship into Stabler Construction Company, laying the foundation for Stabler Companies Inc., which would employ 1,200 people throughout Pennsylvania and other states. New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company acquired the Stabler Companies in 2008.
Stabler was the founding president of The Road Information Program (TRIP) and nicknamed “Mr. TRIP” in recognition of his support and dedication to the organization’s efforts to promote public awareness of the nation’s transportation needs. TRIP celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. Stabler was a past president of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, and an active member of ARTBA, the American Society of Highway Engineers, and the National Asphalt Pavement Association.
He and his wife formed the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation to provide financial support and material aid to charitable, religious, scientific, and educational organizations. In 2008, Lehigh University announced a $34 million bequest from the Stabler Foundation to provide scholarships to students with demonstrated need—it was the largest gift in university history at that time.
